Racquetmen Face Weak Eli Squad To Close Season

Two weeks of anticlimactic matches will end today for the Harvard varsity squash team when the Crimson statistically clinches the Ivy and intercollegiate titles with a resounding victory over Yale in New Haven.

After edging Penn, 5-4, at Hemenway Gym on February 14, Harvard was the only undefeated team in the nation. Matches with mediocre Princeton and Yale were only procedural steps on the way to the Crimson's fifth undefeated season in nine years. Harvard disposed of the Tigers, 9-0, and now Yale. a 9-0 victim of Princeton, must approach the chopping block.

Graduated Elis

The Elis finished eighth in the intercollegiate standings last season, but Yale's top three players have graduated and two more players have left the team. Only captain Pete Wilson, at number one, and senior Andy Higgins, number five, are returning lettermen.

Three Yale players, farther down the Eli ladder, have distinguished themselves this year. Bob Stevens was a standout three years ago on the freshman team and has returned to Yale this season after military service. Starting at the bottom, he has advanced all the way to the number two slot.

Sophomore Elis

Two sophomores have been Yale's most successful players. Charlie Berry, who played number one for the Bullpups last year, has won eight of ten matches at the sixth position. Bill Kirkpatrick, who started at number two behind Berry last year, has also triumphed eight times at number seven.

For Harvard, seniors Larry Terrell (29-1), John Ince (16-4), Fernando Gonzalez (25-6), and Pete Abrams (20-1) will be playing their final collegiate contests. Terrell and juniors Ed Atwood and Jaime Gonzalez will be hoping to complete undefeated seasons.

Dead Elis

"We're heavily favored of course," Crimson coach Jack Barnaby said, "but our guys can't expect Yale to just lie down dead. They have the home court, the underdog image, and all these psychological advantages." Unfortunately for Yale, Harvard has the physical advantages.

At the start of the year Yale coach John Skillman said, "All our matches are going to be tough." With the Ivy and intercollegiate titles waiting in the wings, this match will be Skillman's toughest.